Everton have performed admirably this season, but David Moyes knows that tweaks are needed before the January transfer window slams shut. For sure, tweaks are needed if they want to record a first top-ten Premier League finish since 2020/21 under Carlo Ancelotti.
The stress fracture Jack Grealish has picked up threatens to throw a spanner in the works, with the 30-year-old playmaker now fighting to return to fitness and form before the end of the season. For a side already struggling for creativity, this is a big concern.
David-Moyes-Everton-Grealish
However, while this is a pressure point for Moyes to contend with, issues at striker and right-back present more immediate problems to overcome.
Everton lining up late-window deal
Moyes confirmed midway through the winter market that he hopes to add quality to his Everton side this month, and while that has not happened yet, it's clear the Friedkin Group are willing to spend on the right player (for the right price).
The front of the attack poses a particular problem. Thierno Barry is going from strength to strength, but Beto's fortunes have spun in the other direction, and the wasteful number nine is being tagged with an exit as fans and coaches appear to have had enough.
Should Beto leave this month, a replacement will be needed.
And according to Football Insider, Everton continue to show an interest in Fenerbahce striker Youssef En-Nesyri, who has attracted a wealth of interest in his signature this month.
Youssef En-Nesyri-1
Juventus had come close to signing the £21m-rated Moroccan before a deal fell apart this week due to financial differences.
The focal frontman is set to leave, and given that he has no shortage of suitors, the Hill Dickinson side are going to want to pounce as quickly as possible.
Why En-Nesyri could end Beto's Everton career
It's safe to say Barry has replaced Beto as Everton's number one at number nine. With Everton looking to sign a new striker, Beto's days on Merseyside may well be numbered, and that's a fate he would embrace, having fallen to the fringes of Moyes' squad.
It's unlikely that En-Nesyri would fall below the Bissau-Guinean's level, having maintained a clinical level throughout his career.
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The 28-year-old has enjoyed prolific returns for Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig, with his physical and intense approach bound to lend itself to settling in in the Premier League.
Surely he would prove an upgrade on Beto. After all, when you compare the forwards' performances since the start of the season, it's night and day.
League Stats 25/26 - En-Nesyri vs Beto
Stats (* per game)
Matches (starts)
Goals
Assists
Shots (on target)*
Big chances missed
Accurate passes*
Big chances created
Dribbles*
Tackles*
Ground duels won*
Aerial duels won*
Data via Sofascore
They are actually somewhat alike. Both are hulking and powerful forwards, adept in the air, though Beto probably holds an advantage over his counterpart in that one.
But En-Nesyri is a "pure goalscorer", according to talent scout Jacek Kulig, and he knows how to latch onto a well-delivered cross into the box.
We mustn't forget that Beto enjoyed a bright purple patch last spring, his form leading Evertonians to believe that Moyes had finally cracked the code that Sean Dyche was unable to decipher.
But such anticipation has proved short-lived, and Beto is back to the sidelines after consistently poor performances in the Premier League this season.
Beto-Everton-Premier-League
Everton need an upgrade, and En-Nesyri has the pedigree and prolific proof that he could be the solution.
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